Change the name in the Google Home app on your phone

The fastest way to rename your Chromecast is through the Google Home app, which works on both Android and iPhone. Open the app, find your Chromecast device in the list, tap the settings icon (usually three dots or a gear), and select the option to rename or edit the device name. Type the new name you want — up to 32 characters — and save. The change takes effect when ready.

If you have multiple Chromecasts in your home, this method is especially useful because you can see all your devices at once and rename them without switching between screens. The name you choose here is what will appear when you cast from your phone, tablet, or computer.

Key Takeaways

  • The Google Home app is the main way to rename your Chromecast, and the change shows up on all your devices within seconds.
  • Your new device name can be anything up to 32 characters, including spaces and most punctuation.
  • If you rename a Chromecast that's already connected to your Wi-Fi, you don't need to reconnect it — the name change is separate from your network settings.
  • On a computer, you can also rename through the Chrome browser's casting menu, though the phone app is usually faster.

Rename through the Chrome browser on your computer

If you're at your computer and want to rename a Chromecast without opening the Google Home app, you can do it through Chrome. Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner of Chrome, select "Cast", then right-click on your Chromecast device name and choose the rename option. A text box will appear where you can enter the new name.

This method is convenient if you're already using Chrome and don't want to switch to your phone. The name change syncs across all your devices within a few seconds, so the new name will show up in the Google Home app and on other computers running Chrome as well.

What happens when you change the device name

Changing the name of your Chromecast does not affect its connection to your Wi-Fi network, your Google account, or any of your saved settings. The device keeps the same IP address and continues to work exactly as before — only the label you see when casting changes.

If you've set up routines or automations in the Google Home app that reference your Chromecast by its old name, those will continue to work. Google Home automatically updates the internal reference to match the new name, so you won't need to rebuild any routines or reconnect anything.

Choosing a useful device name

Pick a name that tells you where the Chromecast is or what it's for. "Living Room TV", "Bedroom", "Kitchen Display", or "Guest Room" are all clear options. Avoid names that are too long or use special characters that might be hard to type, since you'll need to select this device by name when casting from your phone or computer.

If you have Chromecast devices in multiple rooms, descriptive names make it much faster to cast to the right screen without having to guess which device is which. You can always change the name again later if you move the device to a different room or want to update it.

Rename a Chromecast that's not yet set up

If you're setting up a new Chromecast for the first time, the Google Home app will ask you to name it during the setup process. You can enter your preferred name at that point instead of using the default name. This saves you a step since you won't need to rename it after setup is complete.

If you skip naming it during setup and want to change it later, just follow the steps in the Google Home app as described above. There's no difference in how the rename works whether you do it during setup or afterward.

Troubleshooting if the name won't change

If you've tried to rename your Chromecast and the new name doesn't appear, first check that you're signed into the Google Home app with the same Google account that set up the device. If you're using a different account, you won't have permission to change the device name.

If you're signed in with the correct account and the name still won't change, try closing the Google Home app completely and opening it again. Sometimes the app needs to refresh to show the updated name. If that doesn't work, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to reconnect to Wi-Fi before trying to rename it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use emoji or special characters in my Chromecast name?

Most emoji and special characters work fine in Chromecast names, though some symbols may not display correctly depending on your device. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and common punctuation like hyphens and underscores if you want to be safe. The 32-character limit includes spaces and punctuation, so keep that in mind if you use a longer name.

Will renaming my Chromecast affect my casting or streaming?

No. Renaming your Chromecast changes only the label you see when you cast — it doesn't touch your Wi-Fi connection, your account settings, or how the device works. Everything will continue to stream exactly as before.

Can I rename my Chromecast from a tablet?

Yes. The Google Home app works on tablets the same way it works on phones. Open the app, find your Chromecast, tap the settings icon, and rename it. The process is identical whether you're using a phone, tablet, or computer.

What if I forget what I named my Chromecast?

Open the Google Home app and look at your device list — the name you gave it will be displayed there. If you can't remember which physical device is which, you can rename it to something temporary, then check which device in your home responds to that name by casting to it from your phone.